Bill > SB255

This bill establishes a formal legal process for authorizing investigatory powers for certain committees of the Georgia General Assembly, including the Senate, House of Representatives, and joint committees. Under the new law, these committees can be granted specific investigative capabilities through rules of procedure or resolutions, which include the power to administer oaths, call witnesses to testify, require attendance of witnesses, compel the production of books and records, and take witness depositions. The bill also provides a mechanism for issuing and enforcing subpoenas, with the superior court having the authority to compel compliance or hold individuals in contempt. Additionally, the bill allows for confidential treatment of investigative materials when authorized by the committee's enabling rules, and includes a provision that explicitly preserves all existing constitutional, procedural, and legal authorities and powers of the General Assembly and its committees. The bill is designed to codify and formalize existing investigative practices while providing clear guidelines for conducting legislative investigations, and it will become effective upon gubernatorial approval or automatic enactment.

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70787